Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico LIVE! World Cup 2022 result, match stream, latest reaction and updates today

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico - LIVE!

Mexico scored twice in five second-half minutes in a thrilling last-ditch effort to stay in the World Cup, beating Saudi Arabia 2-1 but agonisingly missing out on the last-16 on goal difference.

Goals from Henry Martin and Luis Chavez soon after the interval catapulted Mexico back into contention, but a string of superb saves by Saudi keeper Mohamed Al-Owais and two disallowed efforts denied the South Americans the elusive goal they needed to advance.

The match went right down to the wire and at one point looked like Mexico would miss out to Group C rivals Poland by virtue of having accrued more yellow cards, but Saudi striker Salem Al-Dawsari netted in stoppage time to make goal difference the decider. Mexico’s exit ended a run of seven successive last-16 appearances at the World Cup and the defeat for Saudi Arabia killed off what had looked to be a realistic chance of advancing from the group stages for the first time in 28 years.

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico latest news

• GOAL! Saudi Arabia end Mexico hopes

• GOAL! Chavez stunner doubles Mexican lead

• GOAL! Martin breaks the deadlock

Saudi Arabia 1 - 2 Mexico

F/T: Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico

21:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So, that’s that then: Groups C and D decided, with Argentina vs Australia on Saturday, and France vs Poland on Sunday.

F/T: Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico

21:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A quick word for Saudi Arabia, who exit bottom of the group but proved to be anything but also-rans. Herve Renard’s side just run out of steam in that second half a bit, hampered by a number of injuries both tonight and during the course of the tournament, but that late goal Salem Al-Dawsari spoke to their character and effort.

F/T: Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico

21:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Mexican players drop to their knees and bow their heads. They gave absolutely everything tonight in a captivating contest, but they just could not find that third goal.

They go out in the group stage for the first time since 1978 - Argentina and Poland progress to the last 16 and will face Australia and France respectively.

FULL TIME! SAUDI ARABIA 1-2 MEXICO

20:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

GOAL! SAUDI ARABIA 1-2 Mexico (Salem Al-Dawsari, 90 + 5 minutes)

20:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That will seal it - Mexico will be going out!

Entirely against the run of play, but Poland won’t care - they can breathe easier as Mohamed Al-Dawsari takes his stoppage-time chance superbly.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 90 + 3 minutes

20:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lozano cuts in and fires into Row M. Wasteful from the wing, who still looks the likeliest to create stoppage time drama.

It’s all over in the other game: Poland 0-2 Argentina. Mexico need to score another goal.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 90 + 2 minutes

20:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

He does...parried and away from waiting teammates! Tame enough for Mohammed Al-Owais, in behind it like an opening batter.

Mexico corner. And another.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 90 + 1 minutes

20:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another free kick in shooting range for Mexico. Rogelio Funes Mori is tugged down from behind.

It doesn’t necessarily suit Luis Chavez’s left peg - does Hirving Lozano have a go?

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 90 minutes

20:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

How long on the clock? Up goes the board...seven minutes.

Offside! Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 87 minutes

20:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Uriel Antuna thinks he’s found that vital third goal, but the flag is up, and VAR won’t be intervening!

His two teammates behind him were on, but Antuna was very much off as he raced forward onto the through ball to then beat Mohammed Al-Owais with a cute nudge by the Saudi Arabian goalkeeper. Three minutes plus stoppage time...

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 86 minutes

20:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mexico throw on Rogelio Funes Mori.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 83 minutes

20:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Blocked! A cute touch from Hirving Lozano to create a different angle, but Chavez can’t pierce the Saudi Arabian barricade.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 81 minutes

20:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hirving Lozano is hauled down...just outside the penalty area! Abdullah Madu eased the forward to floor, and is duly cautioned, but despite Mexican appeals the contact is clearly outside of the box.

Not that it might matter with Luis Chavez standing over it...

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 79 minutes

20:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Poland have received a fifth yellow card of the tournament - Mexico’s count is seven. If the counts end up level and results remain as they are, lots would be drawn to determine who faces France in the last 16. Is that what we are now hoping for? I think it is...

Surely, surely there is a Mexican goal left in this one, though? Salem Al-Dawsari flails an effort wildly over the bar.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 78 minutes

20:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is turning into a proper frenzy. Mexico are hurling balls and bodies at the Saudi Arabian goal, but can’t beat Mohammed Al-Owais.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 77 minutes

20:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s that for Pineda, and, indeed, Henry Martin - Carlos Rodriguez and Raul Jimenez are on to search for the goal that could take Mexico through.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 76 minutes

20:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just wide! Orbelin Pineda limps away, half in pain, half in anguish after curling just, just, wide of the post from 20 yards out.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 73 minutes

20:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Saved! Again it is delectably hit by Luis Chavez, testing the goalkeeper’s right this time, with Al-Owais moving well and springing perfectly to get two broad palms behind it.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 71 minutes

20:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

If you need a reminder of all the tie-breakers that will decide group progression, the article below should be of help.

In the mean time, Mexico have a free kick in not dissimilar position to where Luis Chavez fired home from earlier...

World Cup group tiebreakers: What happens when teams are level on points?

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 70 minutes

20:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a chance! Henry Martin looks to the linesman for the salvation of the flag but it remains down - the striker was onside as he latched on to a looping header onwards, and simply has to hit the target with his rocket of a volley.

Over the top. Martin rubs his head in frustration.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 69 minutes

20:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Saudi Arabia are in the midst of their best spell of the second half. Saud Abdulhamid really should do better as he tries to lift a ball beyond a disjointed Mexican defence from a left forward position.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 68 minutes

20:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but I suppose a sudden onset wave of Polish indiscipline might also take Mexico through.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 66 minutes

20:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now then! Argentina have scored again at Stadium 974! Unbelievably, that means Mexico and Poland are level on points, goal difference, and goals scored - as things stand, Mexico are going out on yellow cards!

They need to score at least one more...

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 64 minutes

20:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There have been suggestions in the Mexican press that Tata Martino is no longer in control of his side, with Andres Guardado in de facto charge as a playing leader.

If true, Martino’s doing some award-worthy acting on the touchline - the former Barcelona manager is marching about, all arms and legs and energy as he shouts on orders, testing the limits of the (generously sized) technical area.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 62 minutes

20:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Can Saudi Arabia force their way back in? Abdulrahman Al-Aboud replaces Saleh Al-Shehri, who was booked in the first half, to offer a different forward option for Herve Renard’s side.

A free kick is spooned over the bar off a Saudi forehead.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 58 minutes

20:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lusail Stadium is a vision of green, white and red, flags waving and drums beating, Mexican voices roaring their side on as they animate this encounter and seek a third.

The latest Mexican corner is punched decisively by Mohamed Al-Owais.

Saudi Arabia 0-2 Mexico, 56 minutes

20:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nearly another! the offside flag denies Hirving Lozano after another smartly-taken finish.

Mexico are rampant here. They need another goal to overturn Poland’s superior goal difference - the two sides are level on points if the results remain as they are.

GOAL! Saudi Arabia 0-2 MEXICO (Luis Chavez, 53 minutes)

20:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An outrageous free kick!

Utterly superb. Luis Chavez hustles up to the ball all of 30 yards out and strikes it beautifully with the in-step, curving irresistibly for the top corner.

GOAL! Saudi Arabia 0-1 MEXICO (Henry Martin, 48 minutes)

20:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mexico lead!

A lightning fast start to the second half from Tata Martino’s side. Hirving Lozano twice has shots beaten away after cutting in from the right, but Mohammed Al-Owais hasn’t a hope of preventing Henry Martin from turning home after a corner is flicked to him in the six-yard box.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 46 minutes

20:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A half time change for both teams. Abdullah Madu is on for Ali Al-Hassan for Saudi Arabia, while Uriel Antuna has replaced Alexis Vega for Mexico.

Back out there...

20:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The players are back out there, but to some big news elsewhere - Alexis Mac Allister has put Argentina one ahead against Poland.

H/T: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico

19:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Half time at Lusail Stadium and it is as you were, but there’s been plenty to excite two vocal sets of supporters. Mexico have played much, much spritelier than in their first two games, pushing high and creating a number of chance - Alexis Vega might have made more of an early opportunity, though Mohammed Al-Owais was out quickly and smothered well, while Orbelin Pineda has twice had half-chances snuffed out.

It’s been fast, loose and physical - but as things stand both sides are exiting the World Cup.

HALF TIME! Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico

19:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 45 + 5 minutes

19:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Good chance! An injection of pace from Sultan Al-Ghannam, creating room for a cross by bursting to the by-line, but Ali Al-Hassan can only flash his header across goal and wide of the left-hand post.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 45 + 4 minutes

19:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Superb defending from Jesus Gallardo, initially caught on the wrong side, but able to use his speed and strength to muscle back in onto Feras Al-Brikan as the right winger looked to scamper in.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 45 minutes

19:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mexico launch another flurry. Alexis Vega and Luis Chavez - who, we are quickly learning, doesn’t mind having a pop from distance - have efforts blocked, and Mohamed Al-Owais then punches a cross clear, with the offside flag also up.

Six additional minutes to be played at the end of the half.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 43 minutes

19:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hector Martin nudges Abdulelah Al-Amri in the small of the back, knocking the defender away from the flight of the latest Mexican forward hoist. Martin directs a frustrated look towards Michael Oliver when the whistle blows - Martin reckons he’s getting comparatively rough treatment without similar reward.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 41 minutes

19:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mexico earn another corner with a deflected effort, but Saudi Arabia rise strongly at the front post to head it clear.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 39 minutes

19:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Action at Stadium 974 - Wojciech Szczęsny has denied Lionel Messi from the penalty spot after a pretty dubious decision to award Argentina a penalty. A second penalty save of the group stage for Szczęsny - rather useful...

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 37 minutes

19:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ali Al-Bulayhi is going to have to go off - the left back is still hobbling about after that incident with Hirving Lozano, and he’ll be helped around by the medics as Riyadh Sharahili takes his place.

That prompts a reshuffle from Herve Renard - Saud Abdulhamid continues to show his versatility as he slips in at left back, with Sharahili on in midfield for a competitive international debut.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 35 minutes

19:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nicely worked, dreadful finish. The Mexican players in the box rush forward, creating space on the edge for an arriving Jesus Gallardo, who hits the corner on the half-volley with his right foot.

It’s rather agricultural, though, Gallardo ploughing beneath the ball and finding a much too fertile connection.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 34 minutes

19:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out comes the yellow again - Ali Al-Hassan is the man cautioned this time, catching Luis Chavez with a couple of limbs (an arm and a leg) after the midfielder had neatly turned away from him.

Mexico earn a corner after an ambitious Chavez shot deflects behind.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 30 minutes

19:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s a physical edge to this game, too. Hirving Lozano sends Ali Al-Bulayhi spinning and stumbling towards the advertising boards beyond the Saudi Arabian goal after losing the pair’s closely-run pursuit of a Mexican hook forward. Lozano believes Al-Bulayhi has milked what was, to be honest, minimal contact, but such was the speed with which the pair were moving that you can understand the exaggerated tumble. A teammate apologises on Lozano’s behalf.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 28 minutes

19:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A perplexed look from Saleh Al-Shehri - he’s rather confused when Michael Oliver reaches into his pocket for a yellow card after the striker’s arm had brushed the face of Hector Moreno as the two vied for ideal aerial position.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 27 minutes

19:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nearly an opener! It’s Pineda again, this time diving forward like a child down a slip-and-slide after a cross flies all the way through to him at the back post, but rather unfortunate to then direct his header right into a meaty Saudi Arabian thigh.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 25 minutes

19:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Vital challenge! Hassan Al-Tambakti steps in at precisely the right time after Mexico make an encouraging foray up the right.

Orbelin Pineda’s snap-shot is then stopped by Mohammed Al-Owais. Mexico beginning to fizz for the first time all tournament.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 22 minutes

19:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That may be a better ploy - two swift switches of play create space for Mexico with the Saudi Arabian back-four narrowed.

Luis Chavez can’t find the requisite power on his long distance volley to trouble trouble Mohammed Al-Owais.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 21 minutes

19:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mexico have five forwards at times, all trying to time their bursts perfectly to exploit the Saudi Arabia high line. Herve Renard’s side are content to let the back four and Edson Alvarez, most often the deepest of Mexico’s midfielders, have it, though, daring them to play ambitious passes and so far doing a fine job of defusing them when they come.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 18 minutes

19:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A suspicion that the game is starting to settle a little after that energetic start. Still no goal in the other game in the group between Argentina and Poland, either.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 16 minutes

19:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A booking for Edson Alvarez as the midfielder slips slightly as Hassan Al-Tambakti knocks the ball past him up the left touchline. It looks a slightly sore one for the central defender, with two medics on swiftly to check him.

Alvarez protests as Michael Oliver reaches to his pocket, but Al-Tambakti had gone beyond him with great green pastures into which he could lumber - a fair enough call, even if the slip made it look worse.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 13 minutes

19:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just over! It’s not Al-Dawsari but Mohammed Kanno who rushes up to strike it, perhaps catching Guillermo Ochoa slightly off-guard. The goalkeeper’s feet remain rooted as he turns an anxious head to watch it brush the top of the net.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 12 minutes

19:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A driving run from Saud Abdulhamid, cantering forth with long strides and then shimmying between two would-be Mexican tacklers. A knock at the knees and down he goes; Saudi Arabia free kick in excellent shooting position. Salem Al-Dawsari appears to be back to full fitness and he may just fancy this...

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 9 minutes

19:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mexico are definitely trying to play high up the pitch, both full backs pushing on when they can. Jorge Sanchez, back in the side, lends his support up the right, putting too much club on to his skipped seven iron for the far post and raising a hand of apology to his teammates in the box who could only watch it high above their heads.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 6 minutes

19:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mexico, wisely, work the ball immediately in to the space left by Al-Dawsari, and then back the other way when Saudi Arabia over compensate.

Not hugely convincing! A seemingly innocuous ball in to the box bounces awkwardly towards Mohammed Al-Owais, who is forced into a rather hurried punch away.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 5 minutes

19:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Salem Al-Dawsari is down and in real discomfort, catching his studs, perhaps, and rolling his ankle as he tries to time his leap for a defensive header. Herve Renard looks on, displeased - he won’t want another injury to deal with, particularly if it is his captain.

Al-Dawsari is helped off. I think he’ll continue, but one to track.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 4 minutes

19:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mexico clearly feel they can get in behind this Saudi Arabian defence, perhaps remembering the first half of their game against Argentina - the South Americans were thrice denied by tight offside calls in that defeat.

Henry Martin runs the channel well but the ball over the top is under-hit.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 3 minutes

19:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Top save! Excellent work from Mohammed Al-Owais, rushing out to cut down the angle for Alexis Vega carving through, and keeping his body big even as he goes to floor to block Vega’s attempted lift over him. Fast start.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 2 minutes

19:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s a simple starting save for Guillermo Ochoa, riding the bounce of Saleh Al-Shehri’s volley as it loops down short of the goalkeeper having been struck from 30 yards.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico, 1 minute

19:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Saudi Arabia are in white and Mexico green. The official graphics suggested Saudi Arabia might line up with four at the back, but it is Sultan Al-Ghannam on the right of the back four with Saud Abdulhamid in midfield.

Mexico flash a shot comfortably wide of Mohammed Al-Owais’ goal.

KICK OFF!

19:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Underway at Lusail Stadium.

Here we go

19:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Both sets of players huddle, tightly, ringing together as one near opposite penalty areas. 90 minutes of group action to be played - both can still qualify, but not both together. This could be fun...

Anthems

18:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s lively at Lusail Stadium, fans, players, assembled dignitaries all seemingly in outstanding voice.

Out come the players

18:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s Michael Oliver is our referee this evening, by the way, with Massimiliano Irrati in his ear on VAR duties.

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico

18:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Lusail Stadium looks to have filled nicely, with plenty of Saudi Arabian fans having made the hop across the border, joining some rather more well-travelled Mexican fans.

The trademark giant World Cup trophy stands beacon like in the centre of the pitch, ready to welcome the players as they assemble themselves in the tunnel.

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico

18:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a long while since these two met - back in the dim and distant, pre-millennium days of July 1999, four goals from Cuauhtémoc Blanco helped Mexico thrash Saudi Arabia 5-1, setting the hosts on their way to a thrilling final victory over Brazil at the Estadio Azteca. Herve Renard’s side are an evolved quantity since then, of course - I think this could be a very even encounter.

Will Mexico miss out for the first time since 1978?

18:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mexico have reached at least the last 16 of their last seven men’s World Cups, meaning there is plenty on the line tonight as they try and avoid a first group stage exit since the 1978 tournament in Argentina. Then, the Central American nation finished bottom of a group containing West Germany, Tunisia and...Poland, who topped the group - as they will this year if they beat Argentina.

Follow Argentina vs Poland

18:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We’ll try our best to keep you up to date with events at Stadium 974, but there’s no reason not to have our dedicated Argentina-Poland live blog up on another tab to stay up to date on everything as it happens and the Group C qualifiers are decided.

Standard Sport‘s Dan Kilpatrick and Malik Ouzia have made their way into the ground, while my colleague Matt Verri is at the tools to see if Argentina can overcome that shock defeat against Saudi Arabia and progress.

Poland vs Argentina: World Cup 2022 - LIVE!

Mexico vs Saudi Arabia

18:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With those changes, this Mexican side does have a more attacking look for a game they must win. Henry Martin has been in excellent form for America in Liga MX this season, forcing his way into the squad, and should offer a useful focal point around which the attacking midfield three can dart.

Team News - Mexico

18:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

As feared, there is no Andres Guardado from the start tonight for Mexico, with Hector Herrera also dropping out of the starting midfield. It appears Tata Martino has opted to revert to a back four, with a return for Henry Martin up front and a first starting opportunity of the tournament for Orbelin Pineda.

Mexico XI: Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Moreno, Gallardo; Edson Alvarez, Chavez; Lozano, Pineda, Vega; Martin

Team News - Saudi Arabia

17:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here is that Saudi Arabia side. With no Abdulelah Almalki, Ali Alhassan starts in midfield, while Saud Abdulhamid moves forward from right back. Sultan Alghannam is on the right of the defensive four.

Saudi Arabia XI: Al-Owais; Al-Ghanam, Al-Ambakti, Al-Amri, Al-Bulayhi; Al-Hassan, Kanno, Abdulhamid; Al-Buraikan, Al-Shehri, Salem Al-Dawsari

Mexico vs Saudi Arabia

17:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s wonderful to have all four teams still very much in the mix to progress from Group C on the final matchday, and we now know that it is France and Australia who await the two who do go through to the last 16. It could go any way tonight, really. Saudi Arabia may rue being so wasteful against Poland - they really had their chances to win that game and are now missing several key players for an encounter with a Mexico side yet to hit their straps at this tournament.

17:24 , George Flood

A great atmosphere building in Lusail. Those Mexico fans have been brilliant value at this tournament so far, despite their team’s disappointing campaign.

Group C permutations

17:13 , George Flood

Now for those all-important permutations as we build-up to kick-off in Lusail.

Saudi Arabia will be in the last 16 if they win tonight, while a draw will be enough if Poland beat Argentina. If both matches end in draws, then the Saudis are out.

In the event of an Argentina win over Poland and Saudi Arabia draw, it would go down to goal difference between Poland and Saudi Arabia.

Mexico, meanwhile, have to win to have any hope of progressing. If they win and Poland beat Argentina, then Mexico go through.

If Mexico win and the other game is a draw, then it will come down to goal difference between Mexico and Argentina.

If Mexico and Argentina both win, then it will go down to goal difference between Mexico and Poland.

Stage is set!

17:09 , Matt Verri

Potential opponents

17:02 , Matt Verri

France have finished top of Group D, with Australia going through as runners-up.

That means whoever tops Group C tonight will face the Australians in the last-16... as it stands that would be Poland but it could be Saudi Arabia or Mexico too.

All to play for!

Predicted lineups

16:53 , George Flood

Here is how Standard Sport sees both teams lining up in tonight’s massive Group C clash...

Predicted Saudi Arabia XI: Al-Owais; Abdulhamid, Al-Amri, Tambakti, Al-Burayk; Kanno; Al-Buraikan, Al-Abed, Al-Najei, Al-Dawsari; Al-Shehri.

Predicted Mexico XI: Ochoa; Sanchez, Moreno, Montes, Gallardo; Herrera, Alvarez, Chavez; Lozano, Jimenez, Vega.

Saudi Arabia vs Mexico prediction

16:48 , George Flood

Saudi Arabia getting to this final game with their last-16 fate still in their own hands is a fantastic achievement in its own right, whatever transpires in Lusail tonight.

Their stunning upset of Messi and much-fancied Argentina - which led to the creation of a new national holiday and suggestions of a Rolls Royce for each player - will go down in World Cup folklore.

But Renard’s side will have belief that they are far from done yet, despite being frustrated by Poland, with Salem Al Dawsari seeing a penalty saved and others including Mohammed Al Burayk, Saud Abdulhamid and Al Brikan all missing great opportunities in another competitive display.

Saudi Arabia will feel they have little to fear from Mexico, who had veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to thank for preserving a point against Poland by keeping out Lewandowski’s penalty.

Martino’s men did at least succeed in frustrating Argentina for long spells, but never looked capable of springing an upset of their own at the weekend.

They will be itching to ensure that their campaign does not end with a whimper, so it’s easy to foresee a draw that would eliminate Mexico and need Saudi Arabia needing a favour from Poland.

A 2-2 draw.

Mexico team news

16:46 , George Flood

For Mexico, their own skipper in Real Betis veteran Andres Guardado was initially a key doubt with a pulled muscle suffered in the first half against Argentina.

However, he was back in training and yesterday and suggested he was fine to play in a major boost for El Tri boss Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.

With goal-shy Mexico needing to go all out for victory tonight, Wolves talisman Raul Jimenez could well return to the starting XI after cameo outings against Poland and Argentina.

Saudi Arabia team news

16:44 , George Flood

Saudi Arabia paid heartfelt tribute to Yasir Al-Shahrani before their meeting with Poland after the Al-Hilal defender underwent successful surgery back in Riyadh after sustaining a fractured jaw, broken facial bones and internal bleeding after that sickening accidental collision with goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais in the win over Argentina.

He is obviously out for the tournament, while captain Salman Al-Faraj has also left the team camp after a leg injury suffered in the same game saw his participation in Qatar similarly ended.

Meanwhile, midfielder Abdulelah Al-Malki - whose error led to Lewandowski’s first World Cup goal for Poland - is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament.

Right-back Mohammed Al-Burayk is also sidelined.

Where to watch Saudi Arabia vs Mexico

16:41 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, the match will be televised free-to-air and live on BBC Two, with coverage beginning at 6:45pm.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the game live online via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.

Welcome to Saudi Arabia vs Mexico LIVE coverage!

16:38 , George Flood

Good evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Saudi Arabia vs Mexico at the 2022 World Cup.

The stakes are incredibly high for both teams in Lusail as Group C draws to a thrilling conclusion, with a win seeing Saudi Arabia through to the last 16 for the first time since USA ‘94.

Meanwhile, Mexico simply have to emerge victorious tonight to stand any chance of avoiding a first group-stage exit on football’s grandest stage since 1978.

Kick-off tonight is at 7pm GMT, so stay tuned for live updates, all the latest team news and build-up.